In this time of uncertainty, Methodist Employee Assistance Program (EAP) wants you to know that we are here to help. We know that many of you are struggling with anxiety related to business and school closures, financial insecurity, the health and well-being of yourself and loved ones and establishing a new normal.

Caring for yourself during this time is essential, and we wanted to share ways to manage your mental health. As always, if you or your household members need to speak with a counselor, Methodist EAP is a phone call away – 901-683-5658.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The emotional impact of an emergency on a person can depend on individual characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the individual and his/her community, and the availability of local resources. People can become more distressed if they see repeated images or hear repeated reports about COVID-19 in the media.

You can stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 developments with our Coronavirus Resource Center.

Reactions during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

Fear and worry about your own health status, as well as your loved ones, who may have been exposed to COVID-19

Changes in sleep or eating patterns

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Worsening of chronic health problems

Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Things you can do to support yourself:

Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.

Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your normal life.

Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.

Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.

More from Your Health: Tips for coping with fears and anxiety related to COVID-19

For parents:

Children react, in part, to observations of adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can offer more reassurance to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Not all children respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for in children include:

Excessive crying and irritation

Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (e.g., toileting accidents or bedwetting)

Excessive worry or sadness

Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

Irritability and “acting out” behaviors

Poor school performance or avoiding school

Difficulty with attention and concentration

Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past

Unexplained headaches or body pain

Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Things you can do to support your child:

Take time to talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak.  Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand.

Reassure your child that he/she is safe. Let your child know if is ok to feel upset. Share ways you manage your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.

Limit your child’s exposure to media coverage of the event. Children may misinterpret what they hear and become frightened about something they do not understand.

Help your child maintain a sense of structure. Once it is safe to return to school or child care, help him/her return to their regular activity.

Be a role model – take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members and rely on your social support system.

For people who have been released from quarantine:

Being separated from others following quarantine can be stressful, even if you do not get sick. Potential reactions after being released from COVID-19 quarantine include:

Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine

Fear and worry about your own health status, as well as loved ones, who may have been exposed to COVID-19

Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19

Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious

Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine

Other emotional or mental health changes

People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help. Call your healthcare provider if stress reactions interfere with your daily activities for several days in a row.

Other Helpful Resources to Support Your Mental and Emotional Well-being:

• CDC’s “Manage Anxiety and Stress”page provides what stress can look like and tips to manage that stress.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a guide for parents and caregivers to help families cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• SAMHSA’s “Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks” page outlines the signs of stress and steps you can take to alleviate stress.
• SAMHSA’s “Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health” page provides tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak.
• SAMHSA’s “Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks” page provides parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for helping children manage their stress during an infectious disease outbreak.
• Vibrant Emotional Health’s Safe Space provides interactive coping tools to help users when they need it.
• If you feel you or someone you know may need emotional support, please visit the Lifeline’s website for helpful resources or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone in the U.S. You do not have to be suicidal to call the Lifeline.
• The NYS Office of Mental Health’s “Managing Anxiety in an Anxiety Provoking Situation” resource page provides tips for all on how to manage anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you would like help learning more about your gifts and the ways you make a difference, please contact Methodist Healthcare EAP at 901-683-5658 to schedule a free, confidential appointment.

Allison White, LCSW

Living Well Network Supervisor

Allison received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mississippi State University and her master’s degree in social work from Jackson State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen  years of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including community mental health, school-based counseling, adult and juvenile justice, and therapeutic foster care. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and crafting.